Samaritans Aim to Combat Loneliness This Blue Monday

The 21st January, also known as Blue Monday, is said to be one of the most difficult days of the year. In order to combat this, the Samaritans are organising a national charity event that they’re calling Brew Monday. They are encouraging people to get together with friends and family and share some time together over a cup of tea in order to help combat loneliness.

According to figures from the office of National Statistics, in 2016 to 2017, 5% of adults in the UK were reported to feel lonely “often” or “always.” It was also found that women were reported to be lonely more often than men. Whereas people with poor health or suffering from long term conditions described as “limiting” were also particularly at risk of feeling lonely often.

The campaign is being backed by Great British Bake-Off runner up Kim Joy Hewlett, who is also a qualified psychological wellbeing practitioner and has personally suffered with social anxiety. On the Samaritans website, she has said:

“Setting aside time for a cup of tea might sound simple, but it is an act that helps offset other pressures. It means you get time for yourself and those close to you. It’s so easy for pressures to build up, which can lead to and perpetuate mental health issues.”

They are also hoping that this campaign will allow them to raise vital funds that are needed to support the work that they do.